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If you’ve been on social media at all in the past two-ish months, you’ve surely seen someone documenting their five-to-eight-hour wait for a table at Max & Helen’s. Perhaps the most baffling part is that everyone’s willing to endure it.
LA’s buzziest diner – co-created by Phil Rosenthal and Nancy Silverton – is run by Lily Rosenthal Royal and her husband, Chef Mason Royal. Needless to say, the couple knows what people want.
We stress-tested that idea beyond waffles and hot chocolate earlier this month and can confirm: the Royals have excellent taste. Naturally, we asked them to apply it to Valentine’s Day. Below, 22 great ideas from a duo we trust implicitly.
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Lily’s Picks for Her
- Emi Jay Big Effing Claw Clip in Tortoise: If she doesn’t have one, she wants one; if she has one, she wants another.
- Le Labo Another 13: An “addictive dirty potion,” which also boasts “spike and shine.” (Just buy it.)
- Roe Caviar: The best way to start a really great night.
- The rhode kit: Surprise and delight her with your knowledge of the dreamiest, dewiest lineup in skincare.
- Omnilux Contour Face Red light therapy is all the rage, and Omnilux’s mask is both dermatologist-recommended and FDA cleared. She’ll notice the attention to detail.
- Jean Dousset Chelsea Lab Diamond Round Brilliant Studs: No explanation needed.
- The North Face Women’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket: A perfect pick if you plan on being together forever (precisely how long this jacket will last).
- Empty Vase Blush Charm Flowers: A classic for a reason.
- Diptyque Roses Candle: A fan-favorite scent. Go for the large.
- Maison Flaneur Cranberry Stripe Ruffle Frame: And, importantly, print out her favorite photo to go inside.
- Abbode Waffle Pouch: Sure, it’s a personalized pouch. But it’s also peace of mind knowing she’s effortlessly organized.
- Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III Digital Camera: Hands down *the* camera for capturing the perfect shot. Every time.
Shop Lily’s Picks:
“The Omnilux Contour Face Mask is everyone’s ‘OTL’ (one true love, just in case) as far as at-home red light therapy devices go.This FDA-cleared, derm-recommended red light therapy device has clinically proven results for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation (and over 450,000 glowing customers to boot). For over 20 years, Omnilux has stood out amongst the rest as the LED brand that is most tested and trusted by dermatologists worldwide.” Read our full review.
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Mason’s Selects for
- Smithey No. 14 Skillet: The chef calls this one “the best cast iron in the game.”
- Ugg Men’s Tasman II: Running a buzzy restaurant is hard work. These are Mason’s go-tos for slow Sundays and chill evenings.
- House of Léon Backgammon Board: A game, sure, but also a work of art.
- Kershaw USA Pocket Knife: Every self-respecting man needs one.
- Los Angeles Lakers Tickets: An LA guy deserves some Luka Doncic in his life.
- Shadow Hill Two Tone Black Hockey Snapback: For the hat guy. This one’s ‘the best,’ according to Mason.
- Cherry LA Double Knee Denim: “I wear these every day. Best pants for the working man.”
- Toups and Co. Tallow Balm: Should he find himself looking for a natural skincare routine and unsure where to start.
- Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist: Alfredo II Vinyl: A treat for both eyes and ears.
- Kaginushi Charcoal Konro Grill: What better way to impress a man who likes to cook than with a grill made of diatomaceous earth?!
Check out Max & Helen’s on Larchmont Blvd. And while you wait for your table, consider reading about this week’s latest launches, the beauty trends our editors are exploring, and your favorite influencer’s favorite things.
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